• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • News
  • General Store
  • Little House on the Prairie Books
    • Little House in the Big Woods
    • Farmer Boy
    • Little House on the Prairie
    • On the Banks of Plum Creek
    • By the Shores of Silver Lake
    • The Long Winter
    • Little Town on the Prairie
    • These Happy Golden Years
    • The First Four Years
    • On the Way Home
    • West From Home
    • Boxed Sets & Special Editions
  • Other Little House Books
    • Little House Chapter Books
  • Other Series
    • The Martha Years – Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Great Grandmother
    • The Charlotte Years – Laura’s Grandmother
    • The Caroline Years – Little House Series about Laura’s Mother
    • The Rose Years – Books About Laura’s Daughter
  • Teachers & Homeschool Printables
    • Little House in the Big Woods
    • Farmer Boy
    • Little House on the Prairie
    • On the Banks of Plum Creek
    • By the Shores of Silver Lake
    • The Long Winter
    • Little Town on the Prairie
    • These Happy Golden Years
    • The First Four Years
    • Entire Series Worksheets
    • Unit Studies For Homeschoolers & Teachers
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Music
  • Crafts & Activities
  • Recipes
  • Research
  • Family & Friends
  • TV Series
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Little House on the Prairie TV Series
  • Historical Sites
    • Pepin, Wisconsin
    • Rothville, Missouri
    • Independence, Kansas
    • Walnut Grove, Minnesota
    • Burr Oak, Iowa
    • De Smet, South Dakota
    • Vinton, Iowa
    • Spring Valley, Minnesota
    • Westville, Florida
    • Mansfield, Missouri
    • Malone, New York
    • Cuba, New York
    • Keystone, South Dakota
    • Pomona, California

Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House on the Prairie Definitive Guide

Laura Ingalls Wilder & the Little House Books

Home » Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Family & Friends » Charles Phillip Ingalls – Biography

Charles Phillip Ingalls – Biography

Charles Phillip Ingalls – Biography

Charles Phillip Ingalls, the real-life inspiration for the beloved “Pa” character in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” series, was born on January 10, 1836, in Cuba, New York. His parents, Lansford and Laura Ingalls, affectionately referred to as “Grandpa” and “Grandma” in Little House in the Big Woods and some of the My First Little House Books, nurtured in him a love for adventure and the pioneer spirit.

On February 1, 1860, Charles married Caroline Lake Quiner in Concord, Wisconsin, and together, they had five children: Mary, Laura, Carrie, Charles Frederick, and Grace. A man with a restless spirit, Charles yearned to explore the West, but always prioritized the education and well-being of his daughters, due to his wife’s influence. Caroline, or “Ma,” insisted that the family settle in areas where the girls could attend school. The Ingalls family’s numerous journeys eventually led them to De Smet, South Dakota, where Charles took on various roles, including Justice of the Peace.

Charles Ingalls passed away in De Smet on June 8, 1902, leaving behind a rich legacy of love, family, and adventure. His memory lives on through the Little House books, where readers can experience his captivating storytelling and heartfelt fiddle music, which brought warmth and joy to the Ingalls family during both hot summer evenings and cold winter nights.

Charles Ingalls is buried in the De Smet Cemetery. Today, many of his cherished possessions, including his treasured fiddle, can be found on display at various historical sites and museums, such as the Mansfield Museum. Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of Charles Phillip Ingalls as you explore the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her extraordinary “Little House” series.

Related documents

Charles Philip Ingalls Obituary

Share your love of Little House

Related Posts:

  • Charles "Freddie" Ingalls Jr. - Biography
    Charles "Freddie" Ingalls Jr. - Biography
  • TV's Charles Ingalls Character Biography
    TV's Charles Ingalls Character Biography
  • Cuba, New York Charles Ingalls Site
    Cuba, New York Charles Ingalls Site
  • Charles Philip Ingalls Obituary
    Charles Philip Ingalls Obituary
  • Visit Walnut Grove's Church Bell Charles Ingalls Donated To
    Visit Walnut Grove's Church Bell Charles Ingalls Donated To
  • Why does Charles Ingalls (Pa) call Laura half pint?
    Why does Charles Ingalls (Pa) call Laura half pint?

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

General Store

  • Biographies, Research, Letters & Articles (32)
  • Collectibles (23)
  • Collector Books & Boxed Sets (10)
  • Cookbooks (5)
  • Crafts (6)
  • Dolls (21)
  • Home Decor (2)
  • Homeschool Resources (22)
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Quilting Patterns & Fabric (18)
  • Little House Book Series (1)
  • Little House on the Prairie TV Series (19)
  • Other Pioneer Books (19)
  • Pioneer Clothing for Cosplay, Reenactments, Dressing Up & Costumes (126)
  • Pioneer Food (11)
  • Pioneer Living (8)
  • Related Little House Book Series (5)
  • Sewing Patterns (15)

Free Little House in the Big Woods Unit Study

… Our free exclusive unit study for Little House in the Big Woods with 32 worksheets plus additional activities, recipes, songs and more. about Free Little House in the Big Woods Unit Study

Sew Little House Costumes

… Patterns for making pioneer dresses, bonnets, aprons and mores for women & girls about Sewing Little House on the Prairie Pioneer Costumes

Little House Collector’s Editions

… Discover special editions and boxed sets of the Little House Books about Boxed Sets & Special Editions of the Little House Books

Some of our posts contain affiliate links and we will receive an affiliate commission for purchases. This is a great way to support what we do and see more great content!

Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Visit our new General Store for books about Laura and pioneer life, along with DVDs, pioneer food, sewing and quilting. Dismiss